Bumpy road ahead for legal pot in Washington

By By GENE JOHNSONMonday June 30, 2014 1:15 AM

SEATTLE (AP) — Customers can expect high prices, shortages and a dearth of stores when legal marijuana sales start in Washington state next week.

The state expects to issue up to 20 retail licenses July 7, and stores can open the next day if they're ready. It's unclear how many that will be. Officials say only one pot-shop in Seattle is ready for final inspection.

Randy Simmons, Washington's legal pot project manager, says it's going to be a bumpy road for the industry. The state has been overwhelmed with thousands of applications from people who want to grow, process or sell marijuana, and only about 80 growers have been approved.

There won't be any pot brownies, either. The state hasn't yet licensed any edible-makers.

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